EU approves seven biofuel schemes

The first seven biofuel schemes to be officially certified as sustainable were recently granted approval by the EU. The seven voluntary certification schemes are intended to demonstrate that sustainability of biofuels will contribute toward the EU's renewable energy targets.

Gϋnther Oettinger, the European commissioner, said, "The schemes recognised on the EU level today are a good example of a transparent and reliable system which ensures high standards are met."
The approved schemes include: ISCC, a German government-financed scheme covering all types of biofuels; Bonsucro EU, a roundtable initiative for sugarcane-based biofuels focused on Brazil; RTRS EU RED, a roundtable initiative for soy-based biofuels focused on Argentina and Brazil; RSB EU RED, a roundtable initiative covering all types of biofuels; 2BSvs, a French industry scheme covering all types of biofuels; RSBA, a scheme from biofuel producer Abengoa covering its supply chain; and a scheme from biofuel producer Greenergy covering sugar cane ethanol from Brazil.
The EU has granted approval, despite concerns from some environmental groups over the methods used to ensure the resulting biofuels will cut greenhouse gas emissions.
A number of NGO groups argue that the decision excluded consultation and the NGOs were unable to scrutinise or object to any of the schemes. They further argued that the exclusion violates the Aarhus Convention, which guarantees all EU citizens and environmental organisations the right to participate in green decision-making and the right to information necessary for effective participation.
Earlier in the month, in Florida, the Digest released its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world. The bulk of the mandates come from the EU-27, where the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) specifies 10 per cent renewables content by 2020 across the entire membership, of which seven per cent will come from biofuels, the balance from the electrification of the fleet.